BASIC PRINCIPALS OF SIKHISM

Definition of a Sikh:
Any one irrespective of caste, creed, colour or sex who has faith in One God (Waheguru) and takes guidance from the teachings of Ten Guru's and Guru Granth Sahib. But he can call himself a real Sikh only if he develops a relation with the Guru's and takes 'Amrit” from the five beloved-one (as ordained by Guru Gobind Singh Ji) and does not follow any other religion. A Gursikh always obeys the Order of his Guru.
Founder of Sikh religion: (Guru Nanak Dev Ji)
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of Sikh religion. He was born (Prakash) in 1469 at Rai Bhoe Ki Talwandi now known as Nankana Sahib. He visited many places in the world to spread the Name of Waheguru (God). He tried to pull out people from misconceptions, superstitions and other customs and traditions which are misconceived in life. His fundamental teachings are
Nam Japna Remembering Waheguru
Kirt Karni Working sincerely for livelihood
Wand Chhakna Sharing of resources
Family members of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:

Father = Sri Mehta Kalyan Das Ji (Baba Kalu)
Mother = Mata Tripta Ji
Sister = Bebe Nanaki Ji
Wife = Mata Sulakhni Ji
Two sons = Baba Sri Chand Ji and Baba Lakhmi Das Ji.

Bebe Nanaki Ji and Rai Bular were the first persons who recognised Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a great personality during his childhood.


Ten Gurus of Sikhs:
The names of ten Gurus of Sikhs are

1 Guru Nanak Dev Ji 15.04.1469 - 07.09.1539 BS 24.vis.1526 - 07.asu.1596
2 Guru Angad Dev Ji 21.03.1504 - 29.03.1552 BS 05.vis.1561 - 03.vis.1609
3 Guru Amar Das Ji 05.05.1479 - 01.09.1578 BS 08.jet.1536 - 01.asu.1631
4 Guru Ram Das Ji 24.09.1538 - 01.09.1581 BS 25.asu.1591 - 02.asu.1638
5 Guru Arjan Dev Ji 15.04.1563 - 30.05.1606 BS 19.vis.1620 - 01.har.1663
6 Guru Hargobind Ji 19.06.1595 - 02.03.1644 BS 21.har.1652- 06.che.1701
7 Guru Har Rai Ji 16.01.1630 - 06.10.1661 BS 19.mag.1686- 05.kat.1718
8 Guru Har Krishan Ji 07.07.1656 - 30.03.1664 BS 08.sav.1713- 03.vis.1721
9 Guru Teg Bahadur Ji 01.04.1621 - 11.11.1675 BS 05.vis.1678- 11.mgr.1732
10 Guru Gobind Singh Ji 22.12.1666 - 07.10.1708 BS 23.poh.1723- 06.kat.1765
Present Guru is Jugo Jug Atal (Eternal) Guru Granth Sahib
Five Beloved (Pyaras) of Sikhs: Top
Five Beloved (Pyaras) of Sikhs took Amrit on Baisakhi day (1699) when Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded Khalsa Panth. They were prepared to sacrifice their lives for the Sikh Panth (religion). They offered their heads for this purpose. They were the first five persons to pass the test imposed.
1 Bhai Daya Singh Ji Lahore
2 Bhai Dharam Singh Ji Delhi
3 Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji Dwarka
4 Bhai Sahib Singh Ji Bidar
5 Bhai Himat Singh Ji Dwarka
Four Sahibjadas (sons) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji: Top
The names of four sons (Sahibjadas) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji are
1 Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji 1743 B.S. to 1761 B.S 18 years
2 Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji 1747 B.S. to 1761 B.S. 14 years
3 Sahibzada Jorawar Singh Ji 1753 B.S. to 1761 B.S 8 years
4 Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji 1755 B.S. to 1761 B.S. 6 years

First two sacrificed their lives at the battle of Chamkaur Sahib. Suba of Sarhand founded the two younger one in a wall at Sarhand. They sacrificed their life but did not foresake their faith in Sikhism.
Five Kakars those are compulsory for a Sikh to wear: Top
The five Kakars (K's) that are compulsory for a Sikh to wear are
1 Kesh (Long hair)
2 Kangha (Comb)
3 Kara (Iron bracelet)
4 Kirpan (Siri Sahib) (Sword)
5 Kacchera (Underwear / Drawer).

These are the symbols of Sikh solidarity unity and strength. Through these Sikhs develop and maintain their association with the Guru. Hence, it is compulsory for a Sikh to conform to the rules of conduct laid by the Guru.
KESH (Long Hair):
KESH (Long Hair) have been regarded as a symbol of spirituality for many hundred years by all religions. Sikhism made them an institutional symbol. They have a social, psychological and metaphysical significance. This also binds a person to follow the laws of nature and to accept the principle of growth and aging as fundamental to religious discipline. Scientifically hair is a storehouse of energy and human body blooms with this extraordinary energy.
KANGHA (Comb):
KANGHA (Comb) symbolises orderliness and discipline, as it is required for keeping the hair clean and tidy.
Kara (Iron Bracelet):
By wearing a KARA (Iron Bracelet) the Sikh is reminded to cultivate in himself the awareness of immortality and timelessness. The circle signifies as no point on it can be called as beginning or end of it. Steel is symbolic of strength yet esilient under stress. In the same way human soul must become as strong and unbreakable as steel, which has been tempered in the furnace. Gold bangle is not considered as Kara and is not permitted.
Kirpan (Siri Sahib) (Sword):
KIRPAN is a symbol of power and dignity. It is an instrument of defense and protecting the weak. It is not for charm to be tied along with the turban ends or in the back of comb, as it became a fashion in British days. In 1914 the possessing and wearing of Kirpan was allowed by law in Punjab and in rest of India in 1917.
KACCHERA (Underwear / Drawer):
KACCHERA (Underwear / Drawer) also signifies self-control and restraint.
Five Banis: Top
Five Banis, which are compulsory for a Sikh to recite daily, are:
Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tva Prasaad Savaiye (Early morning)
Rahraas Sahib (Evening)
Sohilaa Sahib (Bed time)
Ardass (Morning and evening)

Other Banis are Anand Sahib, Chaupaee Sahib, (Morning or with Rahraas Sahib), Sukhmani Sahib (any time). You must remember these by heart and practically apply them in your life. A Sikh should also recite Bani from Guru Granth Sahib.


Five Takhats of Sikhs:
The five Takhats of Sikhs are

Akal Takhat Sahib (Amritsar, Punjab)
Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib, Punjab)
Harmander Sahib (Patna Sahib, Bihar)
Sachkhand Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra)
Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, about 27 Km from Bhatinda, Punjab)
Akal Takhat Sahib:
Akal Takhat Sahib was founded by the 6th Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. It is situated in the HarMandar Sahib (Darbar Sahib) Complex at Amritsar (Punjab). It used to be a mound where he played as a child and it was here that he was ceremonially appointed as the Guru in 1606 A.D. Guru Ji used to address all important issues whether religious, social or political from the Akal Takhat Sahib.
Keshgarh Sahib:
Keshgarh Sahib is most important shrine at Anandpur Sahib (Punjab). It is rightly the birthplace of the Khalsa. Here on the day of Baisakhi 1756 B.S. (1699 A.D.) Panj Pyaras offered themselves for sacrifice before Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Here they took Amrit from Guru Ji (Baptized) and new Khalsa Panth was born. Present Gurdwara stands on a hillock. Some of the weapons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji are displayed in the shrine. The Khanda (double edged broad sword) which was used to prepare Amrit by Guru Gobind Singh Ji at the time of birth of Khalsa is also kept there.
Harmander Sahib Patna Sahib:
Harmander Sahib Patna Sahib, is situated at Patna Sahib (Bihar). Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born (Prakash) here in 1723 B.S. (1666 A.D.) and spent the initial years of his life before shifting to Anandpur Sahib.
Sachkhand Hazur Sahib:
Sachkhand Hazur Sahib, is situated at Nanded (Maharashtra), a place on the bank of Godavari. Guru Gobind Singh Ji breathed his last (Jyoti Jot) here in 1765 B.S. (1708 A.D.). Here Banda Singh Bahadur met the Guru and became a Sikh and was sent to Punjab. This Gurdwara is similar in design to HarMandar Sahib, Amritsar.
Damdama Sahib:
Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, about 27 Km from Bhatinda, Punjab) is considered Kashi for Sikhs and here complete Guru Granth Sahib was narrated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and written by Bhai Mani Singh Ji.

Amrit (Tradition of baptism):
The tradition of Charan Pahul was prevalent from Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. This consisted of drinking water in which the foot of the Guru has been bathed. The tradition of baptism (Amrit) was changed when Khalsa Panth was founded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib on 30.03.1699. Now water is stirred with a dragger (Khanda) containing Patasas and five Banis are recited. Taking Amrit from the Five Pyaras is compulsory to become a complete Sikh. Every Amritdhari should recite the five Banis daily. He should understand the Principles of Sikh religion and follow them.
Basic books about Sikh religion which should be read: Top
1 Guru Granth Sahib,
2 Bani Guru Gobind Singh Ji,
3 Bhai Gurdas Ji
4 Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji.
* Steaks containing the meanings of Gurbani.
* Rahit Maryada book printed by Shromani Gurdwara Parbandak Committee contains brief information about the rules and regulations of Sikh religion.

These books help us to understand the basic principles of Sikh religion. Path, Katha, Kirtan and Sikh History are all important in Sikh religion. Books and magazines on Gurbani should be read as a daily routine. These will help you to have detailed understanding about Sikh religion.


Gurmukhi (Significance of Punjabi language):
It is very good if you know this rich language which is very easy to learn. All the alphabets are spoken with assertiveness. Hence, this automatically creates courage in the person who speaks this language. You will be able to understand about Sikh religion better if you know how to speak, read and write in Punjabi (Gurmukhi). The whole Guru Granth Sahib and other religious and literary work is mainly available in Gurmukhi.
Path (Nitnem) and going to Gurdwara Sahib regularly:
It is a good habit if you carry out your PATH (NITNEM) everyday. Otherwise you should carry out your PATH (NITNEM) everyday.
Amrit Vela Sach Nao Wadaai Vichar !
Bani Guru Guru Hai Bani Vich Bani Amrit Sareh !
Jo Satgur Sharan Sangat Nahe Aaye Dhrig Jeeveh Dhrig Jevas !

In addition to this a Sikh should spare some time to spread Sikh religion.
'Nanak Mangeh Dhoor Uss Gursikh Ki Jo Aap Japeh Avra Namm Japaveh '!
Getting up in the morning and sleeping at night:
A Sikh should get up at 3 A.M. in the morning (Amrit vaiela). i.e. three hour before sunrise. After attending to his daily routine one should carry out his daily Path (Nit Name). He should daily visit Gurdwara Sahib.
Amrit Vela Sach Nao Wadaai Vichar !
'Pehle Pehre Phulra Fal Bee Pasha Raat !'

You should sleep early at night (before 9 P.M.) so that you can get up early in the morning. Every Sikh should do exercise daily in the morning and evening. Exercise is must to keep your body healthy and fit.


Guru Granth Sahib:
This holy scripture of Sikhs was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji from the writings of earlier Gurus and other saints and included his own hymns too. The selections were made by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and taken down by Bhai Gurdas Ji. This Holy Scripture was completed in 1661 B.S. (1604 A.D.) and was formally installed in the HarMandar Sahib (Darbar Sahib), Amritsar in the same year. Baba Buddha Ji was appointed as the first Granthi (reader). This is called 'ADI GRANTH'.
The second and the last version of Guru Granth was finalised by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It was finalised with the help of his disciple Bhai Mani Singh at Damdama Sahib in 1762-63 B.S. (1705 A.D.). Guru Gobind Singh Ji included the hymns of his father Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in the revised version which is the authorised version in use at present. While breathing his last (Jyoti Jot) Guru Gobind Singh Ji told his followers that the line of living Gurus was to end with him. He ordered his Sikhs to look upon Guru Granth Sahib as their eternal Guru and constant guide for ever. From that time “Guru Granth Sahib” is the Guru for the Sikhs. It is now addressed as Jugo Jug Atal “Guru Granth Sahib'. Language principally employed is the language of saints evolved during that period. Original and printed version has Gurmukhi script and has 1430 pages.
Ragas present in Guru Granth Sahib:
The following are the 31 ragas present in Guru Granth Sahib.
Sri Majh Gauri Asa
Gujari Devgandhari Bihagra Wadhans
Sorath Dhanasari Jaitsari Todi
Bhirari Tilang Suhi Bilawal
Gaund Ramkali Nat Maligaura
Maru Tukhari Kedara Bhairo
Basant Sarang Malhar Kanara
Kalian Prabhati Jaijawanti

Languages used in Guru Granth Sahib:
The language principally employed is the language of saints evolved during that period. The script is Gurmukhi. In addition to Punjabi the other languages present are Sanskrit, Prakrit, Persian, Arabic, Marathi, etc. It contains widely the languages used in North India during that period and are based on local dialects of that time so that common people could understand. The complete musicalisation of Bani present in Guru Granth Sahib in a scientific and studied manner is its important distinguishing feature. “Guru Granth Sahib” has 1430 pages and is divided into 33 sections.


Details of Banis present in “Guru Granth Sahib”:
The details of Banis present in “Guru Granth Sahib” are
Guru Shabad Ashtpadia Shandh Total Total Shabad

Mehlaa 1 209 123 25 357 974
Mehlaa 2 62
Mehlaa 3 172 79 19 270 907
Mehlaa 4 264 58 38 360 679
Mehlaa 5 1322 45 63 1430 2218
Mehlaa 9 59 59 115
Total 2026 305 145 2476 ----

Bhagats whose Bani is present in Guru Granth Sahib:
Names of Bhagats (No. of Shabads) whose Bani is also included are:
Kabir 541 Farid 116 Namdev 61
Ravidas 40 Trilochan 4 Beni 3
Dhanna 3 Jaidev 3 Bhikhan 2
Sain 1 Pipa 1 Sadhna 1
Ramanandha 1 Parmananda 1 Surdas 1
Sunder 6 3 Satta 3
Rai Balwand 5 Kalsahar 54 Jalap 5
Kirat 8 Salah 3 Bhalah 1
Nalah 16 Bhikha 2 Gayanand 13
Balah 5 Harbans 2 Mathura 12

Total (including 6 Guru's) = 5871


Khalsa:
The Sikh society started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji matured in the form of KHALSA (Person directly reporting to Waheguru) in the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Khalsa is a distinct brotherhood, entirely different religion in the concept of God and Gurus, language and script, religious rites, mode of worship, social customs and in its attitude towards caste and creed. The KHALSA is a universal brotherhood, voicing the concept of ONE WORLD. It demolishes all the walls of prejudices between men, women, religions, rich, poor, king, subjects etc. It breaks away all the shackles of formalism. It gives freedom within the ideology of Sikhism. Every Khalsa is a saint, soldier and scholar.
Langar (free community kitchen): Top
Langar (free community kitchen) has become an essential part of every Gurdwara and important Sikh gathering. It signifies equality of all human beings. Langar is open to all. Every Sikh is expected to contribute to it either by donating food stuff or by participating in cooking and serving of food or both.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji set up the first Langar at Kartarpur (Pakistan). Guru Angad Dev Ji extended it further. Guru Amar Das Ji turned it into an institution at Goindwal. He even made compulsory to participate in Langar before meeting him. As the time passed the Langar has been institutionalized.
Different stages (Pahar) in the life of a human being: Top
1 The first stage of life is birth where he enjoys his childhood and get love from all near and dears.
2 The second stage he enjoys his youth period and he does not know the difference between good and bad.
3 In the third stage he is busy in love of family and earnings and fails to remember Waheguru.
4 In the fourth stage the night (end) of life comes and finds it difficult to remember Waheguru which can only accompany him in the next world.
Hence, one should remember the Name of the Waheguru at an early age.


Five sins which should be avoided:
1 Kam (Lust),
2 Karodh (Wrath / Anger),
3 Lobh (Greediness),
4 Moh (Worldly love)
5 Hankar (Proud)

All these should be strictly under our control. All the sins can only be washed by the divine knowledge (Gyan) obtained through the Guru. Absence of this knowledge leads to Ego and these sins.
Intoxicants like liquor, pan, cigarette, drugs, opium, etc. are banned: Top
All intoxicants are banned for Sikhs because they take you away from the path of Waheguru and may have disastrous consequences for the family and self. If you indulge in any of these things please stop them completely. Even if you have addiction of taking tea, coffee, cold drinks, etc. then you should reduce and stop them completely. These things are mild addictions and could lead to acidity in the stomach. Fluoride content of dry tea leaves range from 3 mg/Kg to 300 mg/Kg and two to three cups of tea can contain an estimated 1 mg of fluoride according to WHO. Excess of fluoride in the mouth and body can cause dental or skeletal fluorosis or endemic fluorosis.

Sikh's have their name ending with SINGH (Female KAUR): Top
Ending name for male Sikh's and particularly one who has taken Amrit (Baptized) is SINGH. Singh means lion. So a person after taking Amrit get the courage and power like a lion. This is the sign of bravery and equality. Ending name for female Sikh's and particularly one who has taken Amrit (Baptized) is KAUR (Princess). This is the sign of bravery and equality.
Different types of Sikhs in the present world:

A person becomes a Sikh after seeing someone and finding this religion to be useful spiritually or otherwise adopts this.
If parent are Sikhs the child also starts following it. (Birth)
Some Sikhs are always thankful to Waheguru that they could get into Sikh religion.
Real Sikhs are those who are ready to sacrifice everything for the Guru and Sikhism. (Bhai Manjh).
“Manjh Piara Guru Noo Guru Piara Manjh”

According to Gurmat in order to call himself a Sikh, one must take Amrit. The traditional Amrit is required for admission in Sikhism and commitment to the Guru.
Five Kakar’s are must to start following the Gurmat as a constant guide in our daily routine.
Amrit of Gurbani is required for the constant guidance and direction to the mind.